Prince William Gives You the Best Excuse for Being Late

A routine day at Ulster University in Northern Ireland turned into an unforgettable experience for one lucky student when Prince William made an impromptu cameo in a TikTok video.

Samantha Johnson, a college student, was recording a casual video when her path crossed with the Prince of Wales during his unannounced visit. In a twist that embodies modern-day royalty-meets-Gen-Z, she asked him to help explain her late arrival to class—and he happily obliged.

With a laugh, Samantha turned her camera to the future king, asking him to record a message for her professor, Lesley. Without missing a beat, William leaned into the playful moment. “Lesley, I’m very sorry we’re late,” he said with a smile, adding, “but they seem to be caught up, and they wouldn’t believe that you were here, so, just wanted to say hi.”

The short but humorous clip, posted on Samantha’s TikTok account, quickly gained traction. Captioned, “POV — Prince William gives you the best excuse for being late,” the video showcased a lighter side of the royal.

In an interview with People, Samantha gushed about the Prince’s warm personality and genuine interest in the students he met during his visit. “He really took a genuine interest in all of our interests and future plans,” she said. “Honestly, gave the most positive vibes and seems like such a sweet, kind-hearted individual. Even took time to tell us about his plans to help the homeless to spread awareness.”

Though the British royal family famously steers clear of personal TikTok accounts, Prince William’s unscripted interaction proved he understands the power of the platform. His down-to-earth charm and willingness to engage with students in such a relatable way has only deepened his connection with younger generations.

The royal visit wasn’t just about viral moments. Prince William was in Northern Ireland to discuss his ongoing advocacy for homelessness awareness and community support. However, it’s clear that this playful interaction left a lasting impression on Samantha and viewers worldwide. Sometimes, even a prince can offer the perfect excuse for being late to class—one sure to make any professor smile.